[awilsondc]

I had a rare opportunity for a mid week backpacking trip shortly before Memorial Day. I had a trip planned (Skokomish and Stone in the Olympics) but as the day drew close it became clear that the weather was going to be poor. I went through a half dozen alternatives for the trip before checking permits for the enchantment area and turns out there was one permit left for Lake Stuart on the day I wanted. I reserved it, but in the end I decided to just scrap the overnighter in favor of a trip to Crater Lake with the family for the long weekend. I did however get in a phenomenal day trip up to Lake Stuart and Axis Peak. This is that trip: I left the house at 4:30 and after hitting some unexpected early morning rush hour traffic, reached the Lake Stuart trailhead and was on the trail by 8:30. I made great time up the trail navigating over, under, and around several small downed trees and some snow 1/2 a mile before the lake. It took me an hour and 40 minutes to the lake where I spent 20 minutes relaxing and eating some food.

The foot bridge along the Lake Stuart trail

Waterfall along the Lake Stuart trail

Snow starting about a half mile from Lake Stuart

First mountain views

The meadow on the way to Lake Stuart

Mountaineer ridge and Mount Stuart from Lake Stuart

From the lake I headed straight up the boulder field. I had read trip reports saying to avoid the gully shown on the topo so I stayed a good deal east. I picked a route up the boulder field which was quite enjoyable boulder hopping and scrambling. I just love boulder fields so that part was fun. Despite my joy I was laboring a bit and the going was slow. Around 6200-6400 feet the boulders became sparse and terrain turned more towards scree. At 6800 feet there was snow in large patches. It was enough that I put on spikes and pulled out the axe. I was glad I did. The snow was firm and didn't kick well, but I was able to make it up without any difficulty. After two long hours of slow going I reached the summit. WOW! I love summits that are lower elevation than other peaks in the area. When you get to the top there are still mountains rising above you making for some spectacular views. This one was no exception.

Axis Peak south face scramble route

The view from half way up Axis Peak

Looking at Stuart

Axis Peak summit register

Ladybugs!

Enjoying some tea

Summit Selfie

Several Peaks are visible from the summit:

North Face of Stuart

Looking at Aasgard, Dragontail, and Colchuck

Argonaut

Hi-Jack Peak (Jack Ridge)

Cashmere

Dragontail and Colchuck

Hi-Jack and Eightmile

Axis Peak east ridge cliggs

Aasgard Pass

Summit of Axis Peak looking west toward Horseshoe Lake (snowy bowl upper left)

The panorama from the summit was truly spectacular!

Axis Peak summit panorama

Looking north from Axis Peak

I spent an hour and 20 minutes on the summit having lunch and tea and taking in the views. There was a summit register on top with some familiar names in it, but not many overall signatures. The way down went much quicker. The top half of the mountain has a lot of scree so boot glissading in the dirt was plentiful which was a pleasure. After that it was more boulder hopping before the trail out which was nice and easy for tired feet and legs. 2 hours 40 minutes back for about 8 hours car to car. ~12 miles and 4200 ft elevation. I was the first summit register signature for 2016 and by the looks of it this peak doesn't see too much traffic which is a shame as it is a beauty! I guess the lack of a trail and the scramble (which is significant, probably not best for beginners) keeps people away despite being in a very well traveled area with Eightmile Lake and Lake Stuart near by. I was impressed and wouldn't mind going back.

[mtn.climber]

Great beta! I'm going up there on Sunday. Hope the weather is good.

[FiveNines]

Fun trip. Nice panos. I like the meadow on the way to Lake Stuart.

[Distel32]

[Magellan]

Nice!

[zephyr]

Great report. Yes, it's a bit of work getting up there through all those boulders. Excellent choice for this time of year. Lovely views all around. As we ascended we were greeted by two Septugenarians on their way down! I was very impressed. ~z

[Nancyann]

Those panos are absolutely gorgeous!

[Gimpilator]

That's a fun one. Thanks for the memories and nice job on those photos! I've wondered recently if the couloir on Mountaineer Ridge still has snow in it. Looks like it does.

[OwenT]

Nice pics .So I was last one on the register?

[HitTheTrail]

Looks like your trip worked out ok!

[awilsondc]

Thanks everyone!

[Bootpathguy]

Great report! Great images! Thanks for sharing

[wildernessed]

Nice pics !

[olderthanIusedtobe]

Looks like a great outing! I made an unsuccessful, halfhearted attempted at Axis from Eightmile Lake several years ago. Looks like a lot of melted out terrain in your summit shot looking towards Cashmere.

[tigermn]

That looks really cool.. I can see however why it may not get much traffic. Two of my most hated things, the third would be traversing snow/ice fields... Scree fields and boulder hopping... Not high on my fun list. The boulder hopping mostly because my pace turns to molasses. Scree, well I just hate scree... lol...